Cosmetic Dentistry
Leading Cosmetic Dentist in Kennewick and the Tri-Cities
Our dental specializes in cosmetic dentistry services like veneers, teeth whitening, bleaching, invisalign, full and partial dental implants, dentures, dental bridges & crowns.
At Southridge Dental, we pride ourselves on creating beautiful smiles for our patients with our cosmetic dentistry services. Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Sean Simper, will use all his skill to give you the bright, white smile you have always wanted.
From subtle changes to major repairs, at Southridge Dental, we can perform a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures to improve your smile. There are many techniques and options a cosmetic dentist can perform to treat teeth that are discolored, chipped, misshapen or missing. We can reshape your teeth, close spaces, restore worn or short teeth or alter the length of your teeth. Common cosmetic dental procedures include teeth whitening and bleaching, crowns, bridges, dentures, veneers, dental implants and reshaping and contouring.
These improvements are not always just cosmetic. Many of these treatments can improve oral problems, such as your bite.
Cosmetic Dentistry Services
We are committed to giving you the best dental experience of your life.
Teeth Whitening and Bleaching
Bleaching is a common and popular chemical process used in cosmetic dentistry to whiten teeth. Some people have a cosmetic dentist bleach their teeth to make stains disappear, while other just want a whiter shade.
Discoloration occurs in the enamel and can be caused by medication, coffee, tea and cigarettes. Discoloration also can be hereditary or due simply to getting older.
Bleaching can be performed in the office or, under dental supervision, at home. Many patients enjoy bleaching at home because it is more convenient. Treatment begins when your dentist creates a custom mouthpiece to ensure the correct amount of whitening solution is used and that your teeth are properly exposed. Typically, whitening at home takes two to four weeks, depending on the desired shade you wish to achieve. Whitening in the office may call for one or more 45-minute to one-hour visits to your dentist.
Veneers
Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or plastic placed over the front teeth to change the color or shape of your teeth. Veneers are used on teeth with uneven surfaces or are chipped, discolored, oddly shaped, unevenly spaced or crooked. Little or no anesthesia is needed. Veneers are used to treat some of the same problems as bonding.
This treatment is an alternative to crowns, which are more expensive. The procedure requires your cosmetic dentist to take an impression of your tooth. Before the custom-made veneer is cemented directly onto the tooth, your dentist will lightly buff the tooth to compensate for the added thickness of the veneer. Once the cement is between the veneer and your tooth, a light beam is used to harden it. Porcelain veneers require more than one visit because they are fabricated in a laboratory. Veneers have a longer life expectancy and color stability than bonding.
Dentures
While dentures have been considered a tried and true method for tooth replacement for years, they come with their own set of issues. The main problem is that dentures rest on teeth and gums for stability, which can encourage bone loss, tooth decay, and periodontal disease. However, dentures can be relined every few years to compensate for bone loss and any compromised facial integrity. There have been modern advances in dentures, as there have been in many other areas of dental healthcare, and an overdenture retained by implants may be an option. Overdentures are a combination of traditional dentures and the newer science of dental implants to prevent bone loss that could result from dentures alone.
Dental Implants
Dental implants replace the roots of lost teeth. A dental implant–along with a crown built on the implant–replaces a missing tooth or teeth and helps to maintain the bone support of the adjacent teeth, extending their lifespan. Dental implants are considered a permanent service and can be expected, in most cases, to last many, many years. They are the optimum choice for replacing missing teeth. A tooth replaced with a dental implant should be imperceptible from a natural tooth.
Dental Crowns
Crowns, also known as caps, cover a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and appearance. Due to their cost, they are used in cases where other procedures will not be effective. Crowns have the longest life expectancy of all cosmetic restorations, but are the most time-consuming.
Dental Bridges
Sometimes called a fixed partial denture, dental bridges are used to replace missing teeth with artificial teeth. Bridges can be made of gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination. Dentists anchor them onto surrounding teeth after preparing them for crowns. Then a false tooth joins to the crowns and the bridge is cemented onto the prepared teeth. Only your dentist can remove a fixed bridge.
The success of your bridge depends upon its foundation. So, remember that oral hygiene to keep remaining teeth healthy is particularly important if you wear a bridge.
Which Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure is Right For You?
At Southridge Dental, we can answer any questions you may have about cosmetic dentistry techniques used to improve your smile. The condition of your teeth and desired result you want often dictates the best procedure. If you are considering a treatment, there are a few questions you can ask Dr. Simper before deciding if a particular procedure is right for you:
- What will the changes look like?
- What should I expect through the course of treatment?
- What type of maintenance will be required?
Smile enhancement can have dramatic results on your overall appearance; even the smallest step can boost your confidence, self-esteem, and make you want to smile more. With modern advances in cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic dental procedures can range from a basic color correction to replacing missing teeth, and everything in between. There is no longer any reason to be self conscious about your smile.
Today, cosmetic dentistry is more popular than ever, from whitening and shaping to closing spaces and replacing teeth. And cosmetic dentists have a wide array of tools and techniques at their disposal for improving the look of your smile.